Youth Council Application

Youth Council Description:

The GSA Network Youth Council is a diverse group of youth leaders from GSAs all over California. As a member of the Youth Council you will learn skills to become a stronger activist and work towards creating a safer climate at your school for LGBTQ youth and straight allies.

You will get support around mounting a campaign, event planning or starting a GSA club on your campus. In addition Youth Council members are responsible for giving input and helping guide the programs of the GSA Network.

Under the guidance and mentorship of a region-specific Program Coordinator, Youth Council members are also required to launch one of GSA Network’s campaigns on their campuses. These campaigns are:

Finally, Youth Council members will represent the needs of GSAs and youth activists from their geographic region as well as plan events and lead peer to peer workshops, leadership trainings, advocacy trainings and activist camps.

Schedule

Youth Council meets once a month, generally early afternoon, either on Saturdays or Sundays. Meetings take place at GSA Network’s San Francisco and L.A. offices. Typically, Youth Council members who are also involved in planning and/or implementing other trainings and conferences may meet during additional weekend and weekdays as well. Travel reimbursements are available for youth needing financial assistance to get to each meeting. Snacks/food is typically provided.

As a member of the youth council you will have monthly opportunities to:

Network with youth from throughout your region.

Get peer and staff support and feedback on your ongoing campaign, action or event.

In addition you may have an opportunity to:

Help plan and run a youth led conference or present workshops at local conferences.

Plan and participate in GSA Network social activities like Pride.

Discuss emerging trends in the LGBTQ and greater social justice movement.

Provide occasional technical assistance to other GSAs.

Youth Council Regional Committees

Conference Committee – This committee is comprised of Youth Council members working with the Conference Coordinator and Program Coordinator to plan and carry out the GSA Network conference local to that area. (Northern California & Central Valley only)

Social / Action Events Committee – This committee is comprised of Youth Council members that will plan social / action events for both the Youth Council and GSAs in their region (i.e. Pride, AIDS walk, year start BBQ, Night of Noise, GSA movie night, etc.)

Core Training Team – The Training Team is comprised of 10-20 trainers that are interested in leading peer-to-peer trainings throughout the year, such as 2-hour workshops, one-day Leadership Summits and our three-day activist camp. They will be given ongoing training to improve their own training skill.

What are the requirements for members?

Are you a student in a public or private middle or high school in California?

Are you in a GSA, another diversity club focused on LGBTQ issues, or working to start a GSA?

Are you willing to commit to serve on the Youth Council for one year?

Are you willing to prepare for and attend monthly meetings?

Are you committed to creating change for LGBTQ youth and fighting homophobia and transphobia in schools?

Do you want to develop and suggest ideas to strengthen GSA Network?

Would you commit to launching at least one campaign on your campus during the current school year?

Are you willing and able to identify needs of GSAs and youth organizers in your area, support other GSAs, and guide the direction of GSA Network activities and programs accordingly?

Could you participate in at least one committee such as: Conference Committee, Core Training Team, Social Events Committee, or Advocacy Committee?

Will you fill out the Youth Council application?

If you answered “YES” to all of the above questions, then you should definitely apply for Youth Council!

Applications for the 2013-2014 school year are now being accepted on a rolling basis.